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I've expressed my feelings on this before. This country was built around religious principals, and was highly blessed because of it. Since then, we've been drifting away, and pushing God away, and our blessings have lessened.

Damn political correctness! Bring God back into your life, accept that Jesus was and is your saviour, and you will be blessed ... not just here but in the hereafter!

Republicans running for office are no more "christian" than Democrats. They have proved that over and over again. To think that if you automatically vote for the Republican that you are making God happy and if you vote for a Democrat then you are p*ssing God off, then you have an extremely small view of God.

Truer : (1) : being in accordance with the actual state of affairs (2) : conformable to an essential reality (3) : fully realized or fulfilled

" it has not been fair to our children and our children's children. It has left them confused and unhappy. "

When will people fully realize that the state of nation is wrapped gently in the HOPE of our children. Our children have been mentally abused with the notions of global warming, one world order and a nation in spiritual decay. We see this in their drug abuse, suicide rates and teenage pregnacy. Our children have no HOPE and it starts with regaining their education and our nation from a minority of lunitic liberals. Telling children that America is to blame for the worlds crimes, showing them on the internet perverse ideas of love and marriage leads to even less HOPE. Although it is the liberal ideas that are so destructive, we are as much to blame for ignore their incursion into every corner of our nation.

" More than 50 percent aren’t confident or are just somewhat confident their children will have better lives than they have. “I don’t think they’ve got a chance,” says Brian Rich, a 65-year-old retiree with three children in their 20s who lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts. “I’m very angry at what’s going on in this country. Change is being forced upon us.”

" Big US cities could be squeezed by unfunded public pensions as they and counties face a $574 billion funding gap, a study to be released on Tuesday shows.The gap at the municipal level would be in addition to $3,000 billion in unfunded liabilities already estimated for state-run pensions, according to research from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the University of Rochester. "

I didn't see anything in Esther's letter about Democrats or Republicans.

Are you just assuming that all Democrats support abortion funding, same-sex marriage, bigger government and are dishonest? Or is it just that you think Republicans will stand up for what is moral and fair?

I'm confused, because this is a red state, so most of our politicians statewide and certainly locally are Republicans.

Maybe you're just assuming these things based on the parties platforms?

Esther, I couldn't agree with your letter more. I'm searching for a Democrat that doesn't agree with abortion funding. Then, and only then, will I listen to whatever else they stand for.

Don't forget about the most famous anti-abortion Democrat, Bart Stupak. He only voted for Obamacare when Obamao promised him (wink, wink) that federal funds wouldn't be used for abortion. Who am I kidding? Stupak knew that Obamao's executive order can't trump federal law. So, even the most ardent anti-abortion Democrats will sell out.

Off subject - LG was right ! In Obamacare is a paragraph that requires ALL small business to report ALL purchases of $600 or more on a 1099 form to the federal government. I would like anyone to explain to me what this is ? An attack on small business and a tax increase in one step! If you own a small business, as I do, I must know have my CPA file a 1099 each time I buy anything over $600? What the _______________? Just like abortion, EVERY THING was written into this bill that Obama voters wanted! Sort of like the Stimulas Package, know why no one is using it - To Much Red Tape ! You MUST hire a lawyer to participate! Once again repaying voters for their vote ! Sorry, I am so p--------------------offf !

What the letter writer doesn't seem to understand is that to simply "go to the polls" and vote for what the candidate says he stands for doesn't accomplish anything. I wish it were that simple but it isn't. The problem is that too many voters hear what they want to hear and vote without bothering to hold their politician accountable afterward. Take any issue out there and I can show you where the Republicans (or Democrats) have FAILED to act when they had a chance. Take "Tax cuts for the middle class" for example. Who do you think supports it and who do you think doesn't? You might be surprised. Same thing with "gay marriage". The Republicans SAY they are opposed--but they're not going to do anything about it (except maybe to tamper around the edges) because that would take a very successful wedge issue (that brings their voters out) off the table. Same thing with "abortion" or anything else. In short, we have been betrayed by both political parties and sold out to the highest bidder (corporations and special interests who stand to make a ton of money). And if you think the Tea Party candidate is any different then you're simply not listening--or watching. The truth is right in front of your eyes. If anybody refuses to see then that is their fault. But by all means "go to the polls" and cast your vote for the candidate who you think will represent your interests in office. But if he or she is an incumbant and hasn't done anything on the issues you think matters then you're only fooling yourself if you think anything will happen this time. Nothing changes. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer--and the politicians acquire more money and power.

Our country was founded on the idea of religious freedom. We're a nation that firmly maintains that you can't impose your religious beliefs on anyone else. How can you honestly say that you want everyone to have to follow your own morality just because there are more of you than there are of them? You want the government to follow a belief system? What, like Sharia law, except with the Christian God? How is that different? You think it's not the same because Christianity is good and everyone else (including liberal ideology) is bad? Where, Esther, do you draw the line? If we allow our government to force Christianity on everyone else, we're no better than the leaders of Iran.

Political correctness is another word for open-mindedness. It means allowing other people to have their own religions and identities -- allowing people to be who they are without judging them. Whether they're homosexual, Hispanic, White, Black, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, or whatever, they are valid equals and they are entitled to their beliefs.

If your religion leads you to believe that you can make or enforce laws in ways that force your beliefs -- your morality -- on others, you need to take a hard look at that religion. Because you might find that you're using Christianity as an excuse for your own homophobia or your belief in the right to life as an excuse to limit women who believe women have the right to their own bodies. You might find that the majority rule (if it really even exists, in this case) isn't a valid defense for subjugating the minority.

For America to survive, we have to stop thinking that the past was perfect. Times change, people change, and countries change. You want to be a Christian? Fine. Don't get an abortion. Don't have sex with someone of the same gender. Vote Christian. Eat, sleep, and breathe Jesus. But understand that not everyone is like you. And understand that our country was not built on, and should never be built on, the premise that everyone needs to or should be just like you.

Really? What's the truth? And why are you afraid to say it? Is it because it's racist, sexist, elitist, ethnocentric, or homophobic?

Probably.

People like Esther think they're being brave by calling people as they see them. They're experts in judging a book by its cover. Their ideas are the only ones that are acceptable, and it's the gays, the loose women, the Mexicans, the Muslims, and the liberals who are ruining us as a country.

But every time the Esthers out there open their mouths, people around them can see how close-minded they are.

I mean, if you really need me to speak Christian-ese to make the argument understandable, here you go . . .

"Judge not, lest ye be judged." - Matthew 7:1.

It's not anyone's job to play God for everyone else. And it's certainly not the U.S. government's job.

As a person of faith, I believe that it is a good idea for Chritstians to vote and be a part of the political process. I don't, however, believe that we should voice our opinions on what political party is the more "Godly" one. The truth is, there are just as many corrupt GOPs, as there is Dems. Voting should be based on the content of ones character, and beliefs...ethics...standards....morals, that coinside with yours. NOTHING ELSE.

Really? You all can't argue with ANYTHING else that I said other than political correctness?

See above, LG.

Peace out, people. I have no desire to watch a bunch of conservatives agree with each other. I'm not sure why I commented in the first place. I guess I firmly believe in the separation of church and state and it touches a nerve when someone says the U.S. needs to be a Christian country. I also firmly believe that the government needs to stay the heck out of the bedroom. But I digress. Please, return to patting each other on the back, folks, nothing to see here except one of those nasty liberal progressives who is ruining this country.

Good luck with bringing America back to the homophobic, God-fearing, blessed land that you remember.

Actually, I don't think I am much of a conservative on a whole lot of issues, but that being said....the reason so many people exploded over the politcal correctness statement was because it was the most inane statement in your comment.

Open mindedness is being fair, listening to other points of view. The trouble is that (as I see it) certain people who hold certain views consider disagreement with their views as being hateful, homophobic, mean, greedy, selfish, blah, blah, blah, ie. politcal correctness. Holding views such as that certain behaviour is immoral or sinful is adhering to a set of principles sincerely held. Why is that offensive? If a Liberal for instance believes it is okay to engage in homsexual behaviour I don't call them names, I just say I disagree and state my beliefs - not hateful, just a personal belief. Now, if I went out and located a homosexual and discriminated against that person in regard to their civil rights or if I called them names, or tormented them, THAT is mean and hateful. But just holding a belief that a certain issue or behaviour is wrong in my book is not hateful. Politcal correctness says I have to keep my mouth shut and never utter my disapproval of certain issues. Double standard. NOT open mindedness.

" Good luck with bringing America back to the homophobic, God-fearing, blessed land that you remember. "

I deal with homosexuals almost everyday. I minister in two different units that are full of pedifiles and homosexuals. I have friends who are homosexual and friends who have died a horrable death from HIV/AIDs. My religion still tells me it's wrong. Love the sinner while hating the sin ! Why is that so darn hard for you to believe. I am in situation each day of accepting homosexuals into our program of sending them down the road. I accept but it is still a SIN! Can you not eget this premise - This God Given Spiritual Principle ? Love thy neighbor does not mean accpet their SIN !

Your last comment is very well stated. amarillomommy does not get it because she is beholden to political correctness where everyone is accepted and no one is offended just as long as "everyone" and "no one" believes the exact same thing. That is the problem with the "tolerant" left - they only tolerate those who believe exactly as they do. There is far more tolerance of ideas outside of the party planks within the Republican party than the Democratic party. Name the last time the DNC had a pro-life speech at a convention. Fair warning - you might strain yourself trying to find the answer to that one. Same thing with anti-gay marriage. Look at what happened to Stupak and his small group of pro-life Democrats. They were threatened with everything to get them to toe the party line. I have no doubt that all but 2 or 3 of them would have toed the party line if it meant passing the bill.

Thank you 5 ! People do not graps just how destructive Political Correctness is ! They have no idea where it came from or who introduced it into the world. Political Correctness is how China shut up the Chineese! Then the churches disappeared and then the people began to disappear. This is exactly why it was duplicated and brought to America - to shut Christians up! Just like America today the communist in China made it a crime to say anything against anyone ! Sound familiar ? It's happening right here in Amarillo and Texas. Hate Speech, Smoking, same sex marriage, gay and lesbian cultures - all protected by Political Correctness! Everyone is free to do whatever but US - you and I are told to toe the line or parish !

"Progressive orthodoxy" is a quite wonderful description of political correctness. There is nothing open-minded about progressive orthodoxy when it comes to homosexuality. Either accept gay marriage or you are a homophobe. Same with race. Don't ever criticize a non-white race or you are racist. Agree with Algore and AGW or you are destroying the world. Agree with unions or you are beholden to "the rich".

Regarding some of your other points - no one here has ever said this country was founded on everyone being the same in any manner. That's a red-herring you threw out there to try and discredit conservatives' arguments about returning to a more sane time in our country's history. You know darn well that no one is arguing that this country should become a country of clones all worshiping the same god. If you were a Christian, you would realize that Christianity is never forced on someone. Unlike Muslims, Christians know a forced convert is not a true convert. Oooh, that probably wasn't very "open-minded" of me to say that so I must be an Islamophobe.

amarillomommy: "Whether they're homosexual, Hispanic, White, Black, Christian, Muslim, Atheist, or whatever, they are valid equals and they are entitled to their beliefs."

That is actually a quite comical statement you made. In one sentence you argue that everyone is equal and they are all entitled to their beliefs, but then you spend the rest of your anti-Christian treatise arguing that Christian beliefs are not valid. Interesting. Hypocritical, but interesting.

So you think that this verse has to do with calling same sex marriage wrong ? So when God said marriage was between one man and one woman - He really did not mean it ? God is His humorous way was just joking?

And when God said Drunkeness was wrong and brings a man shame, He really did not mean that either? That I should stop ministering to drug addicts and let them die on the streets?

No, what I was taught in my religion is that we are to love each other, correct each other and when someone refuses to accept correction we are to have nothing to do with them. What does your say about those you disagree with ? Does it say judge them and call them names?
Really, then in your great knowledge show me where I am suppose to shut up and allow you to die in your trespasses(sin)? I am not! I am to let my yea be yea and na be na. In other word it is counted to me rightousness to be willing to speak against the sin of this society. And yes I will be presecuted for it but I will live victorious in the heavenly realm while many rot in a firey he l l for ignore the warnings. The path to rightousness is narrow and few go by, the path to destruction is broad and many will follow! Paraphrased for use

Really? You all think you can vote to legislate against homosexuality and still call yourselves open-minded?

Whatever.

Christians, I think you can believe whatever you want. You just can't LEGISLATE it. I thought I was clear about that, but apparently not enough.

"Hate Speech, Smoking, same sex marriage, gay and lesbian cultures - all protected by Political Correctnes." Nope. Except for the hate speech thing, they're protected by our laws. By our Constitution. I guess you're against that?

Friends, I'm not saying you can't be Christian. I'm not saying you can't believe that homosexuality is wrong. I'm saying that you need to believe that there are other views out there, and that you can't use the government to force your views on others any more than others can use the government to force their views on you.

If you don't allow someone who is homosexual the same rights that you have, then you're close-minded. If you have no problem with shooting someone who sneaks into your yard but won't legally let a woman make her OWN decision about something invading her OWN body, you're close-minded. Go ahead and believe that homosexuality and abortion are wrong. Just understand that not everyone does and that you don't have the right to tell someone what to do in either instance. IT'S NOT YOUR DECISION. And it's none of your business. Nor should it be the government's.

I'm so tired of the argument that if you don't tolerate other people being close-minded, you're close-minded. Please. Except for charlesstephens, you all can do better than that. I'm also tired of the poor-me, I'm a white-anglo-saxon-protestant and this country isn't mine anymore argument. Gay people and foreign and [insert minority here] people get everything and you're just so beleaguered. Boohoo.